Olympic Boulevard

Book excerpt: Olympic Boulevard is a full-length novel by Philip Onho Lee that depicts the joys and sorrows of Korean immigrants in the United States. The story centers on a group of Koreans who emigrated in 1981 to build a new life and pursue the American Dream. Drawing on his experiences as a first-generation immigrant, Lee vividly depicts the ups and downs of Koreans’ struggle to adjust to American life through lively storytelling and humor. This version was rendered into English by Korean-American translator John Cha. A warmly witty, often comical depiction of the loves, joys and sorrows of first-generation immigrants, and above all, their ardor for life Philip Onho Lee has written a Korean-American novel worth lauding. In his honest portrayal of newly middle-class families who find in their lives equal cause for celebration and lament, Lee reminds us that living a meaningful life is not about where we are but about how fully we embrace our shared humanity. – Lim Heon-yong, literary critic With jaunty wit, a rich sense of humor and a concise style faithful to the rhythms of natural speech, Philip Onho Lee spins a delightful tale. Readers will find themselves deeply invested in this story of everyday adversities, cultural negotiation and nostalgic longing—the comprehensive firstgeneration immigrant experience. – Jaemin Rho, former librarian, Los Angeles Public Library